System and Method of Controlling Interactive Communication Services by Responding to User Query with Relevant Information from Content Specific Database

ABSTRACT

An electronic communication system is controlled by a content service provider to return relevant information from a content specific database in response to a user query. The content service provider compiles a plurality of content specific databases, each dedicated to a category of information of interest to the user. The user registers a user profile with the content service provider. A query, including the selected content specific database, is transmitted from the user to the content service provider. The selected content specific database is searched for the first level query within context of the user profile. A menu of matches is generated from the content specific database for the first level query. The menu is organized by relevance scores assigned to the matches based on correspondence to the first level query. The menu is transmitted from the content service provider through the electronic communication network to the user.

CLAIM TO DOMESTIC PRIORITY

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/766,720, filed Apr. 23, 2010, which application isincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to electronic communicationsystems and, more particularly, to a system and method of controllinginteractive communication services organized to efficiently andsystematically respond to user queries with relevant information fromcontent specific databases.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

People use electronic communications in virtually every phase ofbusiness and personal activities. The electronic communication isconducted with telecommunication devices, e.g., computers and cellulartelephones, through the Internet and associated wired and wirelesscommunication channels and pathways. For example, electroniccommunication may involve sending and receiving email or text messages.While electronic communications makes the transfer of informationrelatively fast and easy, finding specific information of interest canstill be a challenging and time-consuming process.

Consider a computer or cellular telephone user seeking information on aspecific topic of interest. The user can conduct an Internet searchusing a web browser and search engine, e.g., Goggle, Bing, or Yahoo.Most search engines maintain overviews of most, if not all, publicallyavailable Internet websites on their servers. The search engine conductsa search of its servers and returns matches or partial matches to a userquery. The search results are displayed as a list of websites, withpotentially hundreds or thousands of hits, each with a portion of therelevant text from the website matching the user query. The searchengine servers typically do not contain a complete copy of the myriad ofInternet websites due to the large volume of information. The user canselect one website from the list and be directed by that specificwebsite for further information. The user must then review the contentof the selected website to find the information being sought.

As most users have experienced, it may be necessary to review manydifferent websites from the search engine listing to find the specificinformation of interest. Each Internet website is laid-out and organizedby an administrator of the website to convey information according topurposes or business plan of the sponsoring company or organization. Thewebsite is organized for the purpose of presenting information that thesponsor is intending to convey and typically does not attempt tointegrate or correlate information from other websites. The website maynot be organized in a manner which is conducive or optimized to resolvethe user's query. If the first website selected from the search enginelist does not yield the information of interest, the user returns to thesearch engine listing and picks another website. The process ofreviewing individual websites continues until the user is satisfied orgives up.

The logistics of finding information from mainstream Internet websiteson a cellular telephone is particularly difficult due to the limitedviewing area, small font and images, and manual dexterity needed tonavigate what is typically formatted to be a large information spaceusing a compact user interface. The information is difficult to see andrequires substantially horizontal and vertical scrolling to comprehendthe total website content. Web-based searching and information retrievalby cellular telephone is still in its infancy.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A need exists to provide interactive communication services organized toefficiently and systematically respond to user queries with relevantinformation. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the present invention is amethod of controlling access to a plurality of content specificdatabases through an electronic communication network comprising thesteps of compiling a plurality of content specific databases by acontent service provider with each content specific database dedicatedto a category of information of interest to a user, transmitting a firstlevel query from the user through the electronic communication networkto the content service provider, searching one or more of the contentspecific databases for the first level query, generating a first menu ofmatches from the content specific database for the first level query,and transmitting the first menu from the content service providerthrough the electronic communication network to the user.

In another embodiment, the present invention is a method of controllingaccess to a plurality of content specific databases through anelectronic communication network comprising the steps of compiling aplurality of content specific databases by a content service provider,transmitting a first level query from a user through the electroniccommunication network to the content service provider, searching one ormore the content specific databases for the first level query,generating a first menu of matches from the content specific databasefor the first level query, and transmitting the first menu from thecontent service provider through the electronic communication network tothe user.

In another embodiment, the present invention is a method of controllingaccess to a content specific database through an electroniccommunication network comprising the steps of transmitting a first levelquery from a user through the electronic communication network to acontent service provider, selecting a content specific database,searching the selected content specific database for the first levelquery, generating a first menu of matches from the content specificdatabase for the first level query, and transmitting the first menu fromthe content service provider through the electronic communicationnetwork to the user.

In another embodiment, the present invention is a computer programproduct, comprising computer readable program code embodied in acomputer usable medium to implement a method for controlling access to aplurality of content specific databases through an electroniccommunication network comprising the steps of transmitting a first levelquery from a user through the electronic communication network to acontent service provider, selecting a content specific database,searching the selected content specific database for the first levelquery, generating a first menu of matches from the content specificdatabase for the first level query, and transmitting the first menu fromthe content service provider through the electronic communicationnetwork to the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic communication network;

FIG. 2 illustrates further detail of a computer system for use with theelectronic communication network;

FIG. 3 is a webpage for registering with a content service provider;

FIG. 4 is a webpage for logging into the content service provider;

FIG. 5 illustrates content specific databases linked to the contentservice provider;

FIG. 6 is a webpage for making a first level user query to the contentspecific database;

FIG. 7 illustrates a cellular telephone for making a first level userquery into a content specific database;

FIG. 8 illustrates a menu of search results from the first level userquery into the content specific database;

FIG. 9 illustrates a menu of search results from a second level userquery into the content specific database;

FIG. 10 illustrates a menu of search results from a third level userquery into the content specific database;

FIG. 11 illustrates a menu of search results from a fourth level userquery into the content specific database;

FIG. 12 illustrates the user and content service provider controllingthe electronic communication network by sending queries and receivingresponses;

FIG. 13 illustrates a menu of search results from another first leveluser query into the content specific database;

FIG. 14 illustrates a menu of search results from a second level userquery into the content specific database;

FIG. 15 illustrates a menu of search results from a third level userquery into the content specific database;

FIG. 16 illustrates a menu of search results from another first leveluser query into the content specific database;

FIG. 17 illustrates a menu of search results from a second level userquery into the content specific database;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a process of controlling the electroniccommunication network by sending queries and receiving responses; and

FIG. 19 is a flowchart of another process of controlling the electroniccommunication network by sending queries and receiving responses.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is described in one or more embodiments in thefollowing description with reference to the figures, in which likenumerals represent the same or similar elements. While the invention isdescribed in terms of the best mode for achieving the invention'sobjectives, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that itis intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as maybe included within the scope of the invention as defined by the appendedclaims and their equivalents as supported by the following disclosureand drawings.

FIG. 1 shows an electronic communication network 10 for transmittinginformation between users and content service provider. User 12operating with a cellular telephone is connected to electroniccommunication network 14 by way of communication channel or link 16.Likewise, user 18 operating with a computer is connected to electroniccommunication network 14 by way of communication channel or link 20, anduser 22 operating with another electronic device is connected toelectronic communication network 14 by way of communication channel orlink 24. The electronic communication network 14 is a distributednetwork of interconnected routers, gateways, switches, and servers, eachwith a unique address to enable communication between individualcomputers, cellular telephones, electronic devices, or nodes within thenetwork. In one embodiment, electronic communication network 14 is aglobal, open-architecture network, commonly known as the Internet.Alternatively, electronic communication network 14 is a wirelesstelephone network. Communication channels 16, 20, and 24 arebi-directional and transmit data between users 12, 18, and 22 andelectronic communication network 14 in a hard-wired or wirelessconfiguration. For example, user 12 can have a cellular phone withemail, texting, and Internet capability, user 18 can operate a computerwith email, texting, and Internet capability, and user 22 has anotherwired or wireless electronic device with email, texting, and Internetcapability.

The electronic communication network 10 further includes content serviceprovider 26 in electronic communication with network 14 overcommunication channel or link 28. Communication channel 28 isbi-directional and transmits data between content service provider 26and electronic communication network 14 in a hard-wired or wirelessconfiguration. Content service provider 26 retrieves relevantinformation from one or more content specific databases in response toquery from the user.

Further detail of the computer systems used in electronic communicationnetwork 10 is shown in FIG. 2 as a simplified computer system 30 forexecuting the software program used in the electronic communicationprocess. Computer system 30 is a general purpose computer including acentral processing unit or microprocessor 32, mass storage device orhard disk 34, electronic memory 36, display monitor 38, andcommunication port 40. Communication port 40 represents a modem,high-speed Ethernet link, wireless, or other electronic connection totransmit and receive input/output (I/O) data over communication link 42to electronic communication network 14. Computer system or server 44 canbe configured as shown for computer 30. Computer system 44 and cellulartelephone 46 transmit and receives information and data overcommunication network 14. Other electronic devices 48 can also transmitand receive information and data over communication network 14.

Computer systems 30 and 44 can be physically located in any locationwith access to a modem or communication link to network 14. For example,computer 30 or 44 can be located in the user's home or business office.Alternatively, computer 30 or 44 can be mobile and follow the user toany convenient location, e.g., remote offices, customer locations, hotelrooms, residences, vehicles, public places, or other locales withelectronic access to electronic communication network 14. Contentservice provider 26 may use computer system 30 or 44 in its businessoffice.

Each of the computers runs application software and computer programs,which can be used to display user interface screens, execute thefunctionality, and provide the electronic communication features asdescribed below. The application software includes a local emailapplication, Internet browser, word processor, spreadsheet, and thelike. In one embodiment, the screens and functionality come from theapplication software, i.e., the electronic communication runs directlyon computer system 30. Alternatively, the screens and functions areprovided remotely from one or more websites on servers within electroniccommunication network 14.

The software is originally provided on computer readable media, such ascompact disks (CDs), external drive, or other mass storage medium.Alternatively, the software is downloaded from electronic links, such asthe host or vendor website. The software is installed onto the computersystem hard drive 34 and/or electronic memory 36, and is accessed andcontrolled by the computer's operating system. Software updates are alsoelectronically available on mass storage medium or downloadable from thehost or vendor website. The software, as provided on the computerreadable media or downloaded from electronic links, represents acomputer program product containing computer readable program codeembodied in a computer program medium.

The electronic communication network 10 can be used for a variety ofbusiness, commercial, personal, educational, and government purposes orfunctions. The user makes a query to content service provider 26. Thecontent service provider searches its content specific databases andreturns relevant information based on the query to the user. Forexample, user 12 using cellular telephone 46 can communicate withcontent service provider 26 operating on computer 30, and user 18 usingcomputer 44 can communicate with content service provider 26 operatingon computer 30. The electronic communication network 10 is an integralpart of a business, commercial, professional, educational, government,or social network involving the interaction of people, processes, andcommerce.

The user first creates an account and profile with content serviceprovider 26. The account set-up involves a registration process whereinthe user accesses website 50 operated by content service provider 26 andprovides data to complete the registration and activation process, asshown in FIG. 3. The user can access website 50 by computer 44 orcellular telephone 46 by typing the uniform resource locator (URL) forwebsite 50, or by clicking on a banner located on another website whichre-directs the user to predetermined landing pages for website 50. Thedata provided by the user to content service provider 26 may includename in block 52, address in block 54, phone number in block 56, emailaddress in block 57, content specific database of interest in block 58,and other information and credentials necessary to establish a profileand identity for the user. Content server provider 26 maintains a numberof specific databases that the user subscribes to access, eitherindividually or in combination. For example, the content specificdatabase may be linked to occupational topics, financial markets, socialnetworking, political organizations, music, entertainment, horoscopes,games, food, news, weather, literature, coupons, or other specialinterests, just to name a few. The user profile can also containemployer, occupation, financial data, interests, associations, religion,marital status, medical conditions, and the like. Other usefulinformation can be extracted from the source banner which directed theuser to website 50 originally, e.g., the user was browsing a rhythm andblues music website when selecting the banner for website 50. The usercan elect to join one or more user groups with other users with similarinterests or demographics. The user may, of course, elect not to providecertain information, which may affect authorization status and abilityto receive communications from content service provider 26. The useragrees to the terms and conditions of conducting electroniccommunication through content service provider 26 in block 60.

Content service provider 26 can use a double opt-in sequence foradditional validation and security. Once the user agrees to the termsand conditions, a pin number or validation code is sent as a textmessage to the phone number provided in block 56 or email addressprovided in block 57. The user confirms the registration by transmittingthe validation code back to content service provider 26. Once validated,the user's profile is stored and maintained with content serviceprovider 26. Within content service provider 26, the user is primarilyidentified by his or her phone number. The phone number uniquelyidentifies the user and can be used for communications and billingpurposes. The user can access and update his profile by enteringusername 62 and password 64 in login screen 66, as shown in FIG. 4. Theuser name can be the phone number or email address and the passwordassigned to or selected by the user. The user can subscribe andunsubscribe to content specific databases, change personal information,and otherwise update the profile. Accordingly, the user's profileremains secure and confidential within content service provider 26.

FIG. 5 shows content specific database 80 oriented to financial markets,content specific database 82 oriented to social networking, contentspecific database 84 oriented to games, content specific database 86oriented to music, content specific database 88 oriented to food, andcontent specific database 90 oriented to weather, each linked to contentservice provider 26. Content specific databases 80-90 can each beassigned a short code to uniquely identify one content specific databaseto simplify SMS texting.

Content specific databases 80-90 are each compiled from a variety ofpublic and private data sources to integrate and correlate informationdedicated to a specific topic or category of interest to the user. Forexample, content specific database 80 is compiled by regularly reviewinga number of publically available Internet websites directed to financialmarkets, as well as other public and private data sources related tofinancial information, and organizing the information in a format thatis conducive and optimized to respond to user queries. Content serviceprovider 26 organizes content specific database 80 for the purpose ofefficiently and systematically responding to a user query with relevantinformation, as described below. Content specific database 80 is furtherorganized and updated based on historical user queries, user profiles,user groups, aggregation data, and other user input. Temporally populartopics are given priority in the search algorithm. If most historicaluser queries are directed to consumer interest rates, or the user hasexpressed interest in consumer interest rates in his or her userprofile, then a user query to “current rates” will return matchescorresponding to the consumer interest rates sub-topic of financialmarkets with higher priority and relevance than say, bond discountrates. Content service provider 26 continuously reviews user profiles,learns from historical user queries, updates database contents, andadjusts the search algorithm to improve its ability to respond to userqueries with relevant information.

As another example, content specific database 86 is compiled byregularly reviewing a number of publically available Internet websitesdirected to music, as well as other public and private data sourcesrelated to music, and organizing the information in a format conduciveand optimized to respond to user queries. Content service provider 26organizes content specific database 86 for the purpose of efficientlyand systematically responding to a user query with relevant information,as described below. Content specific database 86 is further organizedand updated based on historical user queries, user profiles, usergroups, aggregation data, and other user input. Temporally populartopics are given priority in the search algorithm. If most historicaluser queries are directed to performing artists, or the user hasexpressed interest in performing artists in his or her user profile,then a user query to “ice tea” will return matches corresponding to theperforming artists sub-topic of music, e.g., popular rapper “Ice T”,with higher priority and relevance than say, song lyrics that mentionthe drink ice tea. Content service provider 26 continuously reviews userprofiles, learns from historical user queries, updates databasecontents, and adjusts the search algorithm to improve its ability torespond to user queries with relevant information.

As yet another example, content specific database 88 is compiled byregularly reviewing a number of publically available Internet websitesdirected to food, as well as other public and private data sourcesrelated to food, and organizing the information in a format conduciveand optimized to respond to user queries. Content service provider 26organizes content specific database 80 for the purpose of efficientlyand systematically responding to a user query with relevant information,as described below. Content specific database 88 is further organizedand updated based on historical user queries, user profiles, usergroups, aggregation data, and other user input. Temporally populartopics are given priority in the search algorithm. If most historicaluser queries are directed to recipes, or the user has expressed interestin food recipes in his or her user profile, then a user query to “beef”will return matches corresponding to the recipes sub-topic of food withhigher priority and relevance than say, health concerns about beef.Content service provider 26 continuously reviews user profiles, learnsfrom historical user queries, updates database contents, and adjusts thesearch algorithm to improve its ability to respond to user queries withrelevant information. Content specific databases 82, 84, and 90 arecompiled in a similar manner.

Consider an example where the user wants to make a query to contentservice provider 26. If operating from computer 44, the user logs inwith user name and password. A query composition webpage or window 70 ispresented for the user on computer 44, such as shown in FIG. 6. The usercomposes the first level query in block 72 and selects one or morecontent specific databases or vertical subjects to be searched in block74 based on the stated query from block 72. The query typically containstext, but may also contain figures, pictures, video, and any other datacontent used on the Internet. In this case, the query is “beef” and thevertical subject is “food” in content specific database 88. The user canalso identify one or more specific content specific databases to excludefrom the search. When the user clicks search or send button 76, thequery with selected content specific database is transmitted to contentservice provider 26 for search and response with information relevant tothe first level query.

If operating from cellular telephone 46, the user is identified by theembedded cell phone number. The first level query is transmitted tocontent service provider 26 as short message service (SMS) text. Eachcontent specific database maintained by content service provider 26 canbe assigned a short code, i.e., numeric address or identifier, for easeof typing and space efficiency (SMS text limited to 160 characters). Theuser texts “beef” to short code 77888 on cellular telephone 46 to query“beef” for the vertical subject of “food” in content specific database88 to content service provider 26. FIG. 7 shows cellular telephone 46with the query embodied in SMS text presented on cell phone display 77to be transmitted to content service provider 26. Short code 77888 is anaddress to content database 88 containing the vertical subject “food.”

The first level query is received by content service provider 26 oncomputer system 30 through direct communication or through anapplication programming interface (API). The query contains at least theuser's phone number and search text or keywords entered in block 72 oras SMS text. The phone number is derived from the user login ifoperating from computer 44, or from the identifier of cellular telephone46 if the query is transmitted through electronic communication network10 by SMS text. The query may also contain or identify a selectedcontent specific database. Texting the first level query “beef” to shortcode 77888 designates content specific database 88 by the short codenumber. If the query does not include a selected content specificdatabase, then the user profile is accessed to determine which contentspecific database(s) the user has subscribed to during registration orupdated at a later time.

Content service provider 26 conducts a search within the selectedcontent specific database. A search criteria is formulated with focus onthe specific query transmitted by the user and selected content specificdatabase. In the present case, the keyword “beef” is linked to thevertical subject “food” in content specific database 88, based on querycomposition window 70 from computer 44 or the keyword and short codefrom cellular telephone 46. Content service provider 26 also accessesthe user profile in compiling the search criteria. For example, contentservice provider 26 may also have information, based on user profile 91,that the user is an amateur chef and knowledgeable about specializedfood preparation or, conversely, that the user has limited cookingskills and prefers simple recipes. The user profile may also specifycertain food preferences or food avoidances based on taste palate,health habits, religious beliefs, or medical conditions such asdiabetes, high cholesterol or food allergy.

The search of content specific database 88 using the search criteriareturns one or more matches to the user query. Each match is assigned arelevance score based on correspondence to the first level query anduser profile 91. The relevance score can range from 0 (minimal or norelevance) to 1 (highest relevance). The relevance is computed byanalyzing the closeness of the match in character-by-charactercomparison between the keyword and database entry, as well as valuesstored in the database corresponding to the preferences contained in theuser profile. The closer the match in the character-by-charactercomparison, the higher the relevance score. The keyword and databaseentry comparison also takes into account partial words, abbreviations,acronyms, synonyms, and word equivalents. For example, “beef” is equatedto “red meat”, “angus”, or “steak.” A stored value indicating a complexrecipe preparation lowers the relevance score for the user wantingsimple dishes. A stored value indicating low sugar content of theingredients for the recipe increases the relevance score for a personwith diabetes.

The number of matches is in part related to the specificity of thekeyword(s) in the first level query. A more generic keyword returns morematches; a more specific keyword or group of words returns fewermatches. The matches are prioritized by the relevance score, grouped ina menu, and returned to the user. The menu entries can be text and/orgraphical images representative of the match found in the contentspecific database. FIG. 8 shows menu 92 with relevant search resultsreturned to the user and displayed on cellular telephone 46. Each entryin menu 92 is assigned a reference number. For the keyword “beef”searched in the vertical subject “food” of content specific database 88,the corresponding menu entries as determined by the search algorithm are“beef appetizers” assigned reference number 1, “beef entrees” assignedreference number 2, and “beef international recipes” assigned referencenumber 3. While menu 92 is shown with three entries for simplicity inpresentation, the menu typically has many more entries. The number ofentries in the menu is dependent on the display area available to theuser. Cellular telephone 46 has significantly less display area thancomputer 44.

The user receives menu 92 from content service provider 26 for displayon cellular telephone 46. The user can select one of the menu entries inmenu 92 for additional, refined searching. In this case, the userselects “beef international recipes” and texts “3” (for reference number3) to short code 77888. Content service provider 26 receives the textfrom the user.

Content service provider 26 recognizes the text “3” received from theuser as a second level query, because of the recent first level queryfor “beef.” A new first level query can be distinguished from a secondlevel query as the first level query contains a new keyword, whereas asecond level query contains a reference number. In the second levelquery, content service provider 26 conducts another search withincontent specific database 88 for the selected reference number, i.e.,reference number 3 for “beef international recipes.” As described in thefirst level search, content service provider 26 also accesses the userprofile in compiling the search criteria and running the searchalgorithm.

The search of content specific database 88 using the second level queryreturns one or more matches. Each match is assigned a relevance score,similar to the first level search. The matches are prioritized by therelevance score, grouped in a menu, and returned to the user. The menuentries can be text and/or graphical images representative of the matchfound in the content specific database. FIG. 9 shows menu 94 withrelevant search results returned to the user and displayed on cellulartelephone 46. Each entry in menu 94 is assigned a reference number. Forthe second level query “beef international recipes” searched in thevertical subject “food” of content specific database 88, thecorresponding menu entries as determined by the search algorithm are“Mexico” assigned reference number 1, “Italian” assigned referencenumber 2, and “Greek” assigned reference number 3.

The user receives menu 94 from content service provider 26 for displayon cellular telephone 46. The user can select one of the menu entries inmenu 94 for additional, refined searching. In this case, the userselects “Italian” and texts “2” (for reference number 2) to short code77888. Content service provider 26 receives the text from the user.

Content service provider 26 recognizes the text “2” received from theuser as a third level query, because of the recent first level andsecond level queries related to “beef” and “beef international recipes.”In the third level query, content service provider 26 conducts anothersearch within content specific database 88 for the selected referencenumber, i.e., reference number 2 for “Italian.” As described in thefirst level search, content service provider 26 also accesses the userprofile in compiling the search criteria and running the searchalgorithm.

The search of content specific database 88 using the third level queryreturns one or more matches. Each match is assigned a relevance score,similar to the first level search. The matches are prioritized by therelevance score, grouped in a menu, and returned to the user. The menuentries can be text and/or graphical images representative of the matchfound in the content specific database. FIG. 10 shows menu 96 withrelevant search results returned to the user and displayed on cellulartelephone 46. Each entry in menu 96 is assigned a reference number. Forthe third level query “Italian” searched in the vertical subject “food”of content specific database 88, the corresponding menu entries asdetermined by the search algorithm are “Italian style meatloaf” assignedreference number 1, “Capraccio” assigned reference number 2, and“Braciola Di Manzo” assigned reference number 3.

The user receives menu 96 from content service provider 26 for displayon cellular telephone 46. The user can select one of the menu entries inmenu 96 for additional, refined searching. In this case, the userselects “Italian style meatloaf” and texts “1” (for reference number 1)to short code 77888. Content service provider 26 receives the text fromthe user.

Content service provider 26 recognizes the text “1” received from theuser as a fourth level query, because of the recent first level, secondlevel, and third level queries related to “beef”, “beef internationalrecipes”, and “Italian.” In the fourth level query, content serviceprovider 26 conducts another search within content specific database 88for the selected reference number, i.e., reference number 1 for “Italianstyle meatloaf.” As described in the first level search, content serviceprovider 26 also accesses the user profile in compiling the searchcriteria and running the search algorithm.

The search of content specific database 88 using the fourth level queryreturns one or more matches. Each match is assigned a relevance score,similar to the first level search. The matches are prioritized by therelevance score, grouped in a menu, and returned to the user. The menuentries can be text and/or graphical images representative of the matchfound in the content specific database. FIG. 11 shows menu 98 withrelevant search results returned to the user and displayed on cellulartelephone 46. Each entry in menu 98 is assigned a reference number. Forthe fourth level query “Italian style meatloaf” searched in the verticalsubject “food” of content specific database 88, the corresponding menuentries as determined by the search algorithm are the ingredients “1pound ground beef” assigned reference number 1, “1 diced onion” assignedreference number 2, “2 teaspoons garlic” assigned reference number 3, “2tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil” assigned reference number 4, “1seeded and diced red pepper” assigned reference number 5, and “2 eggs”assigned reference number 6. Menu 98 contains more entries for theingredients of “Italian style meatloaf.” The user can text “m” to shortcode 77888 for more entries in the present menu.

The user receives menu 98 from content service provider 26 for displayon cellular telephone 46. The systematic process of query, search,review, and further selection of menu entries continues until the userhas the needed information. At any level query, the user can text “n”for next level query or “b” for back in previous level query. The searchresults are stored with content service provider 26 for a period of timeto allow the user to continue the search sequence at a later time.

Content service provider 26 exercises control over electroniccommunication network 10 by providing interactive communication betweenthe users and content specific databases 80-90, as shown in FIG. 12. Forexample, the user makes a first level query by SMS texting a keywordusing a short code to content service provider 26. Content serviceprovider 26 conducts a search based on the first level query, as well asthe user profile, in the selected content specific database and returnsa response organized in a menu format by relevance of the search resultsof the first level query. If the user wants to drill down further into aparticular entry in the menu, he or she makes a second level query bySMS texting the reference number for the selected entry to the shortcode associated with the selected content specific database. Contentservice provider 26 conducts a search based on the second level query,as well as the user profile, in the content specific database andreturns a response organized in a menu format by relevance of the searchresults for the second level query. The systematic process of query,search, review, and further selection of menu entries continues untilthe user has the needed information. Accordingly, content serviceprovider 26 controls interactive communication services which areorganized to efficiently and systematically respond to user queries, forexample using SMS texting, with relevant information from contentspecific databases.

Consider another example where the user wants to make a query to contentservice provider 26. In this case, the user texts “mesa” to short code88999 on cellular telephone 46 for the vertical subject of “weather” incontent specific database 90. Content service provider 26 conducts asearch for the first level query “mesa” within content specific database90. Content service provider 26 also accesses the user profile incompiling the search criteria and running the search algorithm. Forexample, “mesa” could be the user's home address.

The search of content specific database 90 using the first level queryreturns one or more matches. Each match is assigned a relevance score.The matches are prioritized by the relevance score, grouped in a menu,and returned to the user. The menu entries can be text and/or graphicalimages representative of the match found in the content specificdatabase. FIG. 13 shows menu 100 with relevant search results returnedto the user and displayed on cellular telephone 46. Each entry in menu100 is assigned a reference number. For the first level query “mesa”searched in the vertical subject “weather” of content specific database90, the corresponding menu entries as determined by the search algorithmare “Mesa, Ariz.” assigned reference number 1, “Costa Mesa, Calif.”assigned reference number 2, and “Mesa, Wash.” assigned reference number3.

The user receives menu 100 from content service provider 26 for displayon cellular telephone 46. The user can select one of the menu entries inmenu 100 for additional, refined searching. In this case, the userselects “Costa Mesa, Calif.” and texts “2” (for reference number 2) toshort code 88999. Content service provider 26 receives the text from theuser.

Content service provider 26 recognizes the text “2” received from theuser as a second level query, because of the recent first level queryrelated to “mesa.” In the second level query, content service provider26 conducts another search within content specific database 90 for theselected reference number, i.e., reference number 2 for “Costa Mesa,Calif.” As described in the first level search, content service provider26 also accesses the user profile in compiling the search criteria andrunning the search algorithm.

The search of content specific database 90 using the second level queryreturns one or more matches. Each match is assigned a relevance score,similar to the first level search. The matches are prioritized by therelevance score, grouped in a menu, and returned to the user. The menuentries can be text and/or graphical images representative of the matchfound in the content specific database. FIG. 14 shows menu 102 withrelevant search results returned to the user and displayed on cellulartelephone 46. Each entry in menu 102 is assigned a reference number. Forthe second level query “Costa Mesa, Calif.” searched in the verticalsubject “weather” of content specific database 90, the correspondingmenu entries as determined by the search algorithm are “Today's high andlow temperatures” assigned reference number 1, “Current conditions”assigned reference number 2, “Tomorrow's forecast” assigned referencenumber 3, and “Five day forecast” assigned reference number 4.

The user receives menu 102 from content service provider 26 for displayon cellular telephone 46. The user can select one of the menu entries inmenu 102 for additional, refined searching. In this case, the userselects “Tomorrow's forecast” and texts “3” (for reference number 3) toshort code 88999. Content service provider 26 receives the text from theuser.

Content service provider 26 recognizes the text “3” received from theuser as a third level query, because of the recent first level andsecond level queries related to “mesa.” In the third level query,content service provider 26 conducts another search within contentspecific database 90 for the selected reference number, i.e., referencenumber 3 for “Tomorrow's forecasts.” As described in the first levelsearch, content service provider 26 also accesses the user profile incompiling the search criteria and running the search algorithm.

The search of content specific database 90 using the third level queryreturns one or more matches. Each match is assigned a relevance score,similar to the first level search. The matches are prioritized by therelevance score, grouped in a menu, and returned to the user. The menuentries can be text and/or graphical images representative of the matchfound in the content specific database. FIG. 15 shows menu 104 withrelevant search results returned to the user and displayed on cellulartelephone 46. Each entry in menu 104 is assigned a reference number. Forthe third level query “Tomorrow's forecasts” searched in the verticalsubject “weather” of content specific database 90, the correspondingmenu entries as determined by the search algorithm are “High and lowtemperatures” assigned reference number 1, “Precipitation” assignedreference number 2, and “Sunrise and sunset” assigned reference number3.

The user receives menu 98 from content service provider 26 for displayon cellular telephone 46. The systematic process of query, search,review, and further selection of menu entries continues until the userhas the needed information. At any level query, the user can text “n”for next recipe, “m” for more entries, “'b” for back in level query.Thus, the user can move between menus as need. The interactivecommunication service is organized to efficiently and systematicallyrespond to user queries with relevant information from the contentspecific databases.

In another embodiment, the user texts “gta4” to short code 88777 oncellular telephone 46 for the vertical subject of “games” in contentspecific database 84. Content service provider 26 performs an acronymlook-up for “gta4” within content specific database 84. The keyword“gta4” corresponds to the game “Grand Theft Auto IV.” Content serviceprovider 26 conducts a search for the first level query “Grand TheftAuto IV” within content specific database 84. Content service provider26 also accesses the user profile in compiling the search criteria andrunning the search algorithm.

The search of content specific database 84 using the first level queryreturns one or more matches. Each match is assigned a relevance score.The matches are prioritized by the relevance score, grouped in a menu,and returned to the user. The menu entries can be text and/or graphicalimages representative of the match found in the content specificdatabase. FIG. 16 shows menu 110 with relevant search results returnedto the user and displayed on cellular telephone 46. Each entry in menu110 is assigned a reference number. For the first level query “GrandTheft Auto IV” searched in the vertical subject “games” of contentspecific database 84, the corresponding menu entries as determined bythe search algorithm are “Play Station 3” assigned reference number 1,“XBox” assigned reference number 2, and “Xbox 360” assigned referencenumber 3.

The user receives menu 110 from content service provider 26 for displayon cellular telephone 46. The user can select one of the menu entries inmenu 110 for additional, refined searching. In this case, the userselects “Play Station 3” and texts “1” (for reference number 1) to shortcode 88777. Content service provider 26 receives the text from the user.

Content service provider 26 recognizes the text “1” received from theuser as a second level query, because of the recent first level queryrelated to “Grand Theft Auto IV.” In the second level query, contentservice provider 26 conducts another search within content specificdatabase 84 for the selected reference number, i.e., reference number 1for “Play Station 3.” As described in the first level search, contentservice provider 26 also accesses the user profile in compiling thesearch criteria and running the search algorithm.

The search of content specific database 84 using the second level queryreturns one or more matches. Each match is assigned a relevance score,similar to the first level search. The matches are prioritized by therelevance score, grouped in a menu, and returned to the user. The menuentries can be text and/or graphical images representative of the matchfound in the content specific database. FIG. 17 shows menu 112 withrelevant search results returned to the user and displayed on cellulartelephone 46. Each entry in menu 112 is assigned a reference number. Forthe second level query “Play Station 3” searched in the vertical subject“games” of content specific database 84, the corresponding menu entriesas determined by the search algorithm are “Unlimited fuel” withgraphical image 114 assigned reference number 1, “Unlimited speed” withgraphical image 116 assigned reference number 2, “Indestructible auto”with graphical image 117 assigned reference number 3, and “Weapons” withgraphical image 118 assigned reference number 4.

The user receives menu 112 from content service provider 26 for displayon cellular telephone 46. The user can select one of the menu entries inmenu 112 for additional, refined searching. The systematic process ofquery, search, review, and further selection of menu entries continuesuntil the user has the needed information. At any level query, the usercan text “n” for next recipe, “m” for more entries or “b” for back inlevel query.

The user can set preferences with user profile 91, or as part of thefirst level search criteria, to respond with search results from thecontent specific database at regular intervals or at specific latertimes, particular for information that frequently changes. For example,the user may want regular weather updates during adverse conditions, orfinancial market updates, or social networking updates. The user canrequest aggregate information based on popular topics or requests fromother users within the user group or with similar interests from thecontent specific databases, e.g., updates from the gaming community.Content service provider 26 automatically texts the user with relevantupdates as set by the preferences. The interactive communication serviceis organized to efficiently and systematically respond to user querieswith relevant information from content specific databases.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a method of controlling access to a pluralityof content specific databases through an electronic communicationnetwork. In step 120, a plurality of content specific databases iscompiled by a content service provider, each content specific databasededicated to a category of information of interest to a user. In step122, the user registers a user profile with the content serviceprovider. In steps 124, a first level query is transmitted from acellular telephone or computer operated by the user through theelectronic communication network to the content service provider. Thefirst level query can be transmitted as SMS text. The first level queryincludes a selected content specific database. The content specificdatabase is selected by SMS texting the first level query to a uniqueshort code. In step 126, the selected content specific database issearched for the first level query within context of the user profile.In step 128, a first menu of matches is generated from the contentspecific database for the first level query. The first menu is organizedby relevance scores assigned to the matches based on correspondence tothe first level query. In step 130, the first menu is transmitted fromthe content service provider through the electronic communicationnetwork to the user. The first menu is transmitted back to theoriginating cellular telephone or computer. A second level query istransmitted from the user to the content service provider. The secondlevel query is an entry from the first menu as selected by the user. Theselected content specific database is searched for the second query. Asecond menu of matches is generated from the content specific databasefor the second level query. The second menu is organized by relevancescores assigned to the matches. The second menu is transmitted from thecontent service provider through the electronic communication network tothe user.

FIG. 19 is another flowchart of controlling access to a plurality ofcontent specific databases through an electronic communication network.In step 140, a plurality of content specific databases is compiled by acontent service provider, each content specific database is dedicated toa category of information of interest to the user. In step 142, the userregisters a user profile with the content service provider. In step 144,a first level query is transmitted from a cellular telephone or computeroperated by the user through the electronic communication network to anaddress of the content service provider. The first level query can betransmitted as SMS text. The address selects one of the plurality ofcontent specific databases. The content specific database is selected bySMS texting the first level query to a unique short code. In step 146,the selected content specific database is searched for the first levelquery within context of the user profile. In step 148, a first menu ofmatches is generated from the content specific database for the firstlevel query. The first menu is organized by relevance scores assigned tothe matches based on correspondence to the first level query. The firstmenu can include graphic images. In step 150, the first menu istransmitted from the content service provider through the electroniccommunication network to the user. The first menu is transmitted back tothe originating cellular telephone or computer. A second level query istransmitted from the user to the content service provider. The secondlevel query is an entry from the first menu as selected by the user. Theselected content specific database is searched for the second query. Asecond menu of matches is generated from the content specific databasefor the second level query. The second menu is organized by relevancescores assigned to the matches. The second menu is transmitted from thecontent service provider through the electronic communication network tothe user.

While one or more embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated in detail, the skilled artisan will appreciate thatmodifications and adaptations to those embodiments may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention as set forth in thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of controlling access to a plurality ofcontent specific databases through an electronic communication network,comprising: compiling a plurality of content specific databases by acontent service provider, each content specific database dedicated to acategory of information of interest to a user; transmitting a firstlevel query from the user through the electronic communication networkto the content service provider; searching one or more of the contentspecific databases for the first level query; generating a first menu ofmatches from the content specific database for the first level query;and transmitting the first menu from the content service providerthrough the electronic communication network to the user.
 2. The methodof claim 1, further including: transmitting the first level query from acellular telephone or computer operated by the user; and transmittingthe first menu to the cellular telephone or computer.
 3. The method ofclaim 1, further including transmitting the first level query as shortmessage service (SMS) text.
 4. The method of claim 1, further includingtexting the first level query to a unique short code.
 5. The method ofclaim 1, further including organizing the first menu by relevance scoresassigned to the matches based on correspondence to the first levelquery.
 6. The method of claim 1, further including: transmitting asecond level query from the user to the content service provider;searching one or more of the content specific database for the secondquery; generating a second menu of matches from the content specificdatabase for the second level query; and transmitting the second menufrom the content service provider through the electronic communicationnetwork to the user.
 7. A method of controlling access to a plurality ofcontent specific databases through an electronic communication network,comprising: compiling a plurality of content specific databases by acontent service provider; transmitting a first level query from a userthrough the electronic communication network to the content serviceprovider; searching one or more the content specific databases for thefirst level query; generating a first menu of matches from the contentspecific database for the first level query; and transmitting the firstmenu from the content service provider through the electroniccommunication network to the user.
 8. The method of claim 7, furtherincluding organizing the first menu by relevance scores assigned to thematches based on correspondence to the first level query.
 9. The methodof claim 7, further including: transmitting the first level query from acellular telephone or computer operated by the user; and transmittingthe first menu to the cellular telephone or computer.
 10. The method ofclaim 7, further including transmitting the first level query as shortmessage service (SMS) text.
 11. The method of claim 7, further includingtexting the first level query to a unique short code.
 12. The method ofclaim 7, wherein the first menu includes graphic images.
 13. The methodof claim 7, further including: transmitting a second level query fromthe user to the content service provider, the second level query beingan entry from the first menu as selected by the user; searching one ormore of the content specific databases for the second query; generatinga second menu of matches from the content specific database for thesecond level query; and transmitting the second menu from the contentservice provider through the electronic communication network to theuser.
 14. A method of controlling access to a content specific databasethrough an electronic communication network, comprising: transmitting afirst level query from a user through the electronic communicationnetwork to a content service provider; selecting a content specificdatabase; searching the selected content specific database for the firstlevel query; generating a first menu of matches from the contentspecific database for the first level query; and transmitting the firstmenu from the content service provider through the electroniccommunication network to the user.
 15. The method of claim 14, furtherincluding compiling a plurality of content specific databases by thecontent service provider.
 16. The method of claim 14, further includingregistering a user profile with the content service provider.
 17. Themethod of claim 14, further including organizing the first menu byrelevance scores assigned to the matches.
 18. The method of claim 14,further including: transmitting the first level query from a cellulartelephone or computer operated by the user; and transmitting the firstmenu to the cellular telephone or computer.
 19. The method of claim 14,further including transmitting the first level query as short messageservice (SMS) text.
 20. The method of claim 14, further including:transmitting a second level query from the user to the content serviceprovider, the second level query being an entry from the first menu asselected by the user; searching one or more of the content specificdatabases for the second query; generating a second menu of matches fromthe content specific database for the second level query; andtransmitting the second menu from the content service provider throughthe electronic communication network to the user.
 21. A computer programproduct, comprising computer readable program code embodied in acomputer usable medium to implement a method for controlling access to aplurality of content specific databases through an electroniccommunication network, comprising: transmitting a first level query froma user through the electronic communication network to a content serviceprovider; selecting a content specific database; searching the selectedcontent specific database for the first level query; generating a firstmenu of matches from the content specific database for the first levelquery; and transmitting the first menu from the content service providerthrough the electronic communication network to the user.
 22. Thecomputer program product of claim 21, further including transmitting thefirst level query from a cellular telephone or computer operated by theuser; and transmitting the first menu to the cellular telephone orcomputer.
 23. The computer program product of claim 21, furtherincluding transmitting the first level query as short message service(SMS) text.
 24. The computer program product of claim 21, furtherincluding organizing the first menu by relevance scores assigned to thematches.
 25. The computer program product of claim 21, furtherincluding: transmitting a second level query from the user to thecontent service provider, the second level query being an entry from thefirst menu as selected by the user; searching one or more the contentspecific databases for the second query; generating a second menu ofmatches from the content specific database for the second level query;and transmitting the second menu from the content service providerthrough the electronic communication network to the user.